Fishing
The Southern Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal affords a greater variety of fly fishing opportunities than any other district in South Africa. It is from here the flow of the lyric Mzimkhulu, Pholela and Mkhomazi, the Ngwangwane and Ndawana, the Mzimkhulwana and Mkhomazana to mention but a few rivers set their early course enroute to the Indian Ocean through the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. Into this well-watered mountain land of towering peaks and tumbling rivers, are set the twin villages of Underberg and Himeville.
The countryside and water go through a great amount of change from season to season. During summer, with its afternoon thundershowers, the fish are often most active in the early morning, though the larger, deeper lakes such as Lifton Lake (Sani Valley) can fish well throughout the day. Dragonflies, caddis, and many midge species are all common. In winter the nights are bitterly cold and the days bright and clear. Best fishing during this period is often at dusk, when the water tends to be at its warmest.
We are situated just 9km from Himeville on the Sani Pass road and are therefore in a prime position.
Fisherman, you will enjoy both the main lake and its trophy dam! The main 260 acre lake is well stocked with trout and offers excellent fly-fishing opportunities with brown and rainbow trout ranging from 1 pound to 12 pounds (yes, the record trout fished in the lake is 12 pounds!).
Trout fishing is a gentleman's sport and we at Sani Valley are strong supporters of catch and release to ensure great fishing for all for years to come. Guided trout fishing and hire equipment is available on request. Sani Valley has two smaller dams at your disposal, all of which are stocked regularly.
Its trout hatchery produces between 30 000- 50 000 baby trout, all of which are released into the dams at 2 inches (fry stage). The Lakes are stocked annually with large fish to maintain the strength of fishing and variety on Sani Valley's waters.
The tackle shop at the reception caters for all anglers basic needs as well as tackle for hire.